Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southwestern Colorado, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Southwestern Colorado
- Important essentials for Southwestern Colorado
- Activities for Southwestern Colorado
- Southwestern Colorado in January: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in February: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in March: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in April: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in May: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in June: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in July: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in August: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in September: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in October: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in November: weather and what to pack
- Southwestern Colorado in December: weather and what to pack
About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Southwestern Colorado, the best time to go is June. See below for details.
Important essentials for Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southwestern Colorado, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
General health necessities
Southwestern Colorado is at a somewhat high altitude, and could cause problems for some. For that reason, you will want to be constantly hydrated and pack altitude sickness remedies.
-
Supplements
Ginko biloba or other supplements (ask your doctor before using)
-
Over-the-counter medicine
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Southwestern Colorado. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one works in most places, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is frigid and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Heated gloves
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Southwestern Colorado, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some excellent ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
February in this region is frigid and somewhat snowy. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Heated gloves
-
Thick pajamas
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a cap at night in this climate like this
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Neck warmer/cold weather face mask
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Southwestern Colorado, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
In March, Southwestern Colorado can be brisk and somewhat snowy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 40s F (single digits C) and occasionally jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). This is also a rainy time for Southwestern Colorado, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Heated gloves
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Southwestern Colorado, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
April
April in Southwestern Colorado is cold and somewhat snowy. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 40s F (single digits C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Southwestern Colorado, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
May
May in Southwestern Colorado is relatively cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our favorite option: this
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Gloves
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Heavy jacket
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Southwestern Colorado, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some famous skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
June
If you vacation in Southwestern Colorado during June, you might find that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Southwestern Colorado, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some great ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
July
July in this region is warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
August
August in Southwestern Colorado is balmy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
September
If you visit Southwestern Colorado during September, you might find that it is relatively cool. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Southwestern Colorado, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some great ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
October
October here is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Gloves
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Southwestern Colorado, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
November
November in Southwestern Colorado is brisk. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thick pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
We suggest:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Heated gloves
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Night cap
It's important to wear a head warmer at night here like this
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Southwestern Colorado, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
December
December in Southwestern Colorado is very cold and somewhat snowy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 10s F (single digits below 0 C) to 30s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated gloves
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: here
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Southwestern Colorado, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is vital here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southwestern Colorado has some famous ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Southwestern Colorado, Colorado, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Southwestern Colorado.
Colorado Trail
Animas River
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum
Historic Downtown Durango
Mesa Verde National Park
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